THURSTON COUNTY, WA — One person died Monday morning after a semi-truck accident on Interstate 5 near south Olympia, according to King 5.
Washington State Patrol troopers responded to the scene on the southbound lanes at milepost 97, under the 113th Avenue Southwest overpass. It was first reported by the Washington State Department of Transportation shortly after 7:30 a.m.
An early investigation by WSP suggests the driver may have been suffering from a medical emergency or had fallen asleep when the semi struck the guardrail along the right shoulder. Moments later, the vehicle collided with a pillar supporting overpass.
The driver and sole occupant of the semi died from their injuries at the scene, confirms officials.
All southbound lanes were blocked in the aftermath and remained closed for more than 13 hours during the emergency response, crash clearance and investigation.
All southbound traffic was forced to divert to 93rd Avenue before re-entering the interstate, creating a 7-mile backup in the area.
A preliminary inspection of the bridge showed no obvious structural damage, but inspectors are expected to evaluate further.
No further details have been shared at this time.
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